Region. Retail store closures likely

Small Joyce Mayne and Domayne outlets close to Harvey Norman stores may be closed, with Domayne stores in Castle Hill and Penrith potential causalities, according to The Daily Telegraph. Unable to divulge the exact stores marked for closure, Gerry Harvey, executive chairman, of Harvey Norman, hinted close proximity would be a key. The Domayne outlet in Campbelltown has closed already. The company reported a 3.5 per cent rise in sales to the six months to December 31.

Homebush Bay. Possible move of Mardi Gras

he NSW Government, which contributes more than $300,00 annually to the event, wants the Sydney Gat and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade and after-party to the Olympic precinct, at Homebush Bay. “There’s … a massive gay and lesbian population out west … We’re looking to expand Mardi Gras south, north and west,” said Mardi Gras general manager, Anna McInerney. Parramatta will hosted Mardi Gras events in February-March.

Region. Two tracks could be saved, one sold

Racetracks at Rosehill and Warrick Farm are unlikely to be sold but the 33-hectare Canterbury racetrack could be sold to property developers as part of a “rationalisation of assets” should the Sydney Turf Club and the Australian Jockey Club amalgamate, according to The Weekend Australian Financial Review

Parramatta. Wincrest Homes in administration

Wincrest Homes, a Parramatta-based family company has gone into voluntary liquidation, with about 100 homes under construction and owing $12 million. Bruce Gleeson, of Jones Partners, who has been appointed administrator, said Wincrest confirmed owing $6 million to its secured creditor, St George Bank, $4 million to tradespeople and contractors and a further $2 million to related parties, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. In addition to homes under construction, Wincrest is believed to have taken deposits from a further 20 customers.

North Ryde. Macquarie University projects

Macquarie University has capital works underway, with completion dates in 2009, totalling $419 million. They are: Macquarie University Private Hospital, $180 million; Learning and Research Centre (Library), $92 million; Cochlear HQ, $140 million and the Faculty of Arts (refurbishment) $17 million. Projects expected to be completed in 2010-2013 total $620 million

Bankstown. Sydney Water facility approved

The Minister form Planning, Kristina Keneally, has approved the construction of a two-storey office building, a warehouse and attached two-storey office, with parking for 509 vehicles

Liverpool. Street University for young people

A joint project between the Mount Pritchard & District Community Club (Mounties) and the Property Industry Foundation has seen the refurbishment of a 1900-square-metre building, at 1 Speed Street, Liverpool, where a Street University is established to which young people from Liverpool, Cabramatta and Fairfield can walk in off the street and enrol in vocational and tertiary-style courses. The Ted Noffs Foundation will run the facility.